gifting

Last-Minute Gift Ideas

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As 2022 comes to a close, so does the window for getting gifts together–Christmas is just 6 days away! Here are some last-minute gifts for anyone on your list. Many of these are handmade and (hopefully) budget-friendly. You can find most of the ingredients at your local dollar stores. With food costs continuing to rise, food may be more costly than gift cards, candles, etc. I know I mentioned Christmas, but these gifts can be for any holiday you celebrate. If you celebrate a holiday, or holidays, other than Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. You don’t necessarily have to, but I recommend an ingredient for anything food-related that you make, just in case anyone happens to have sensitivities, allergies, or dietary restrictions.

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☁️Cooler Weather & Last-Minute Gift Ideas🍪

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It looks like we are finally in for some cooler weather, and possibly definitely rain, this week. The plan is to get some of the storage unit cleaned out before temperatures go back up. We have so much that others could put to good use, and we’d like to rid ourselves of the added expense. Ideally, I’d like to get the furniture and box of clothes out since they are the stored items most affected by the weather. Productivity-wise, I made cookie dough to freeze until just before Christmas. I also got the other treats made and handed out for the most part. Every year we give out baked goods to friends and family. All I need are either tins or plates since I used the last of what we had last year.

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Blogmas, Day 5: Wrapping Alternatives

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Wrapping paper can be beautiful. I used to love going to the after-Christmas sales to get the, often glittery or metallic, rolls of paper. It always made me a bit sad that such pretty paper would just be tossed aside, even though it was fun to see the kids tear open their gifts. I still have quite a bit of it, so I’ll use it up as the holidays pass. If you have extra, you can use it to create decorations, create a backdrop for pictures, line your shelves (with the glitter-free kind)… get creative! What happens when you run out of wrapping paper? Or maybe the item you are gifting requires a different kind of wrapping material. There are alternative methods that are inexpensive, or even free, that are more sustainable than wrapping paper. You could reuse wrapping paper, but that also means you have to be careful when unwrapping gifts.

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Blogmas, Days 3-4: A Wish List

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I had to sit and think hard about this post. There was a lot of wavering on whether or not to post a wish/gift list given the state of the world. It somehow seemed inappropriate, yet when I thought more about it, there is nothing wrong with wishing. Perhaps I’m reading more into it than is necessary. I don’t want it to come off as selfish. I also don’t want anyone to think that I’m promoting going out, especially with the current goings on. If you have the resources to shop online, practically anything can be delivered. Deliveries can also be made to you loved ones, which is convent, especially now. If you are curious about my (admittedly short) list, read on.

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Plastic-Free July: Day 29, Practical Gifting 🎁

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There are a couple of days left in Plastic-Free July. This post will be more of a discussion on practical gifting versus a clickable gift guide. Fun gifts (i.e. toys for the kids, board games, etc.) are fantastic and will get use. For the adults, if I’m not giving gift cards, then it’s something handmade. Occasionally, when I find something I think someone will really like, and they don’t have it, then I’ll get it. I don’t do this often though. My current financial situation has forced me (in a good way) to be more resourceful and careful in what I give. That also means that I can make practical, zero- or low-waste items tailored to the recipient. Make sure to do your research and know if the recipient has any allergies/sensitivities before starting.

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Blogmas: Days 1 through 3

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This month, I will be trying my best to post something every day during the month of December. Since I’ve been sick, and still am a bit, what should have been posts for the last 3 days are being rolled into one. I’m hoping to get out a Winter Veil feast since the one for Pilgrim’s Bounty didn’t quite work out. A couple of weeks ago I received the winter FabFitFun box. FabFitFun is the only subscription box I have, and seeing how things are headed, I may soon unsubscribe. If you’re interested, though, here is the link and promo code: Click here & enter code WINTERFUN at checkout. By clicking the link provided, I get $8 per subscription (not per box). Since being an affiliate, I’ve only made $8. The program is, by no means, a “gravy train”.

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Gift-Giving Guide, Part 4: Technology, Gadgets, & Travel

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There are tons of gadgets available so it’s hard to pick just a few.  What is on your holiday list?

1.  ESPRO Insulated Coffee & Tea Press, $49.95

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

Know anyone who can’t live without their tea or coffee?  I must admit that I am one of those people.  I also don’t mind saying that I kind of want to buy this for myself.  Who wouldn’t love the perfect cup of their favorite fresh-pressed tea or coffee?  Whether it’s made ahead of time to enjoy on the way to the office or made so it’s ready to enjoy at the office, the tea/coffee will be amazing and stay hot for up to 6 hours.  Comes in black, stainless steel, and white.

2.  Perfect Bake:  App-Controlled Smart Baking, $69.99 (currently on sale, $49.99)

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

At CES 2015, we watched the demo for this “smart baking” set.  I think it’s a wonderful gift for those who are just starting to bake, as it does far more than weigh your ingredients.  You hook up the scale to your device, and it will auto-adjust the amount of ingredients necessary for whatever it will be put in the oven.  Need the recipe for half a dozen cookies instead of a dozen?  What if you need more?  That’s no problem either. 

3.  GoalZero Flip 10 Charger, $25.80

Image courtesy of amazon.com

I listed this in my post about gadget travel essentials, which you can read here, if you like.  This portable charger has saved me countless times.  I always take it, whether I am headed to the store or traveling here and there.  You can bring the power stick to a full charge on your computer.  Attach the USB cable, and charge away.  The link provided happens to be for the green charger, but they do offer other colors.

4.  ZUCA Pro Artist Case, $305.00 ($275.00 on amazon.com)

Image courtesy of zuca.com

If you are feeling extra generous this year, you can splurge on a ZUCA.  I LOVE mine, and have had it for ages.  It has been all over the world, and rolled through just about everything– rocks, snow, ice, gravel, etc.  The frame still looks new, and it still acts as a seat.  You can read more about my use of ZUCA here.  This makes the perfect gift for anyone who travels and is looking for a lightweight, durable carry-on.  The ZUCA Pro Artist Case also comes with convenient inserts for storage and organization.  

5.  Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma, $99.99

Image courtesy of razerstore.com
Image courtesy of razerstore.com

The Chroma products from Razer are fun and functional.  I love that the Chroma line can be synced to change so all devices have the same colored light.  If you’d like, you can click here to read about what I have.  They can also change or be set on a static color.  The sound is amazing, and the noise-cancellation is comparable to Bose.  Each headset also comes with an enhanced digital microphone.  When it retracts into the earpiece the microphone will turn off.   

6.  R2D2 Kitchen Timer, $19.99

Image courtesy of bedbathandbeyond.com

No Star Wars fan’s kitchen would be complete without this adorable R2D2 kitchen timer.  He is the perfect addition to any counter top, and will ring when the time is up.

7.  iHealth Edge Activity + Sleep Tracker, $69.99

Image courtesy of ihealthlabs.com

iHealth is a wonderful company.  They have everything from glucometers to advanced scales, blood pressure cuffs, and more.  The products can all be linked to the app, so all stats are within reach.  The Edge is comfortable to wear, and there is no need to worry about burns or other issues.  It is not waterproof, though, so no swimming or showering with it.  All-in-all the Edge is a fantastic gift for those who are health/fitness savvy.

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 3: Hair & Fragrance

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1.  ULTA:  Ultra Chi Travel Tools, $149.95 (on sale now, $99.95.  Only available at Ulta.)

Know anyone who loves to style their hair?  It can be difficult to carry hair tools, especially when traveling.  This travel-ready set comes with smaller versions of some great and effective Chi products.  The best part is that this set can travel wherever the recipient does since it comes with its own case.  The white, quilted bag is thermal-lined and comes with removable pouches.     

               Image courtesy of ulta.com

List courtesy of Ulta.com:

– Ultra CHI travel dryer
– Ultra CHI travel hair styling iron:
– Ultra CHI Travel curling iron:

    2.  Caroline Chu:  Ayurvedic Herbal Thickening Boost Shampoo & Conditioner Duo, $128.00

    Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

    I can’t say enough positive things about Caroline Chu products.  Her line has expanded, and now you can have a one-stop shopping experience.  She has wonderful skincare, makeup, and haircare.  This thickening boost duo is the “it” gift for those with thinning hair.  Hair feels smoother, softer, and fuller in just a few uses.  Pamper your loved one with this high-end hair duo must-have! 

    Contains:

    – 16.9 fl. oz. Shampoo
    – 16.9 fl. oz. Conditioner 

    3.  Wen by Chaz Dean:  Cleansing Conditioner Sampler, $38.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    Wen is one of my favorite hair products.  My aunt gave me a set to try awhile back, and it worked wonders.  My hair was soft, shiny, and I didn’t need to use a leave-in conditioner after.  This set is wonderful because of the variety of scents it offers, and each tube is travel-friendly.  Give the gift of beautiful hair with this set of Wen.      

    Set includes (list courtesy of sephora.com):

    – 6 x 2 oz Cleansing Conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint, Tea Tree, Fig, Cucumber Aloe, Lavender, Pomegranate.

    4.  Verb:  Style with Verb Set, $36.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com
    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    This set from Verb is a great value.  You can read a little bit more about it here.  While the shampoo & conditioner samples are only enough for one or two uses, everything else is full-sized.  I really like the dry shampoo and leave-in conditioner.  I haven’t yet tried the sea salt spray, but as soon as I do, I will post an update.  If you have someone on your list who loves trying new haircare, I highly recommend this set.  It even comes with a travel bag that fits all of the products shown, and then some!  The set contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):   

    – 0.065 oz Hydrating Shampoo
    – 0.065 oz Hydrating Conditioner
    – 2 oz Dry Shampoo
    – 8 oz Leave-In Mist
    – 6.3 oz Sea Spray

    5.  Pacifica:  Roll-On Perfume, $12.00 each
     

    Tahitian Gardenia
    Hawaiian Ruby Guava
    Island Vanilla
    Tuscan Blood Orange
    Indian Coconut Nectar
    Malibu Lemon Blossom

    These roll-on perfumes from Pacifica are a great gift for those looking for a more exotic scent to wear.  My personal favorites are blood orange and gardenia.  The fragrances are fun, slightly sophisticated, and great for anyone regardless of age.  And speaking of, it can take ages for a whole bottle to be used up, so these roll-ons are perfect.  They also travel well, and are a great alternative to travel sprays.
    **All images courtesy of ulta.com**   

    6.  Viktor&Rolf:  Spicebomb Shave Set, $125.00

    Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

    Spicebomb is a very popular fragrance from Viktor&Rolf.  This set is perfect for the Spicebomb fan on your list.  Each item is travel-friendly and will fit into any kit.  It comes with the following (list courtesy of nordstrom.com):

    – Eau de Toilette Spray (3 oz.)
    – Razor
    – After-Shave Balm (1.7 oz.)

    Notes:
    – Top: bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, elemi.
    – Middle: cinnamon, chili pepper, saffron.
    – Base: leather, vetiver, tobacco.

    7.  Billy Jealousy:  Beard Envy Kit, $20.00

    Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

    Beards need love, too.  What better way to paper your bearded wonder than with this Billy Jealousy set?  Complete with beard wash, lightweight styling product, and boar bristle brush, your recipient’s beard will be the envy of all.  

    The set includes the following (courtesy of nordstrom.com):

    – Beard wash (3 oz.)
    – Beard control (3 oz.)
    – Boar bristle brush

    8.  The Blend by Fred Segal:  Custom Fragrance Blending Kit, $150.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    If you are looking for a more extravagant gift, this set of rollerballs from Fred Segal are perfect for anyone who loves trying out new fragrances.  Worn alone or layered, these scents are wonderful.  My personal favorite is Tropic Bloom.  It reminds me of walking along the beautiful beach in Waikiki as the sun set into the ocean. 

    The set (list courtesy of sephora.com) contains the following:

    – 0.17 oz Water Lily
    – 0.07 oz Grassy Vetiver
    – 0.17 oz Amber Vanilla
    – 0.07 oz Forest Patchouli
    – 0.17 oz Tropic Bloom  
    – 0.17 oz Clean Musk
    – 0.17 oz White Tea
    – 0.17 oz Exotic Rose
    – 0.17 oz Ocean Air
    – 0.17 oz Citrus Zest 

    Gifts with Purchase and Promo Codes:

    Don’t forget that several companies have some good promotional codes and/or gifts with purchase.  For the latest, check out the following links:

    ULTA
    Nordstrom
    Sephora
    Bloomingdale’s
    Macy’s

      Gift-Giving Guide, Part 2: Skincare + Devices

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      1.  Clarisonic Mia 2 Polka Dot Duo, $149.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      One Mia 2 is $149.99, so for $50.00 more, you can purchase two.  Keep one for yourself or gift them both.  The each come with their own bag and charger, which means they are perfect for travel.  You can read more about Clarisonic and my personal experiences here.

      2.  Mia 2 Keith Haring Set, $149.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Clarisonic has paid homage to the late artist and activist, Keith Haring.  There are a couple of designs to choose from.  Any of the designs are perfect for the pop art lover or Keith Haring appreciator in your life.  Set contains (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – Mia 2 Keith Haring “Love” Facial Cleansing Device
      – Sensitive Brush Head
      – Universal pLink Charger
      – Keith Haring travel bag
      – 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser

      3.  Clinique Sonic System, $89.50 and up

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Clarisonic can be a bit pricey, and while the Clinique cleansing brush is steep as well, it’s a bit more affordable.  

      The set in the image above contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush in pink/orange
      – Charging base
      – Pink/orange travel case
      – 1 oz Foaming Sonic Facial Soap
      – 2 oz Clarifying Lotion 2
      – 1 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 

      4. Caroline Chu Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $59.95

      Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

      Give the gift amazingly radiant, youthful skin with the Anti-Aging Starter Kit from Caroline Chu.  Each set contains a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream.  The products work well with all skin types, and can be used day and night.  They also work together to reveal firm, hydrated skin, and fades away fine lines and wrinkles.       

      I have used several of her products, and if you are interested, here is a link to a review of some of the others.  There isn’t a product I have used that I didn’t like.  The moisturizers keep my skin hydrated all day, and the eye cream is perfect for banishing tired eyes with dark circles.  Any recipient of her skincare, haircare, or makeup will not be disappointed.    

      Set contains (list from carolinechu.com): 

      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.17OZ/5g
      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING DAY & NIGHT with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.35 OZ/10g
      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING SERUM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.33 FL OZ/ 10ml

      5.  COOLA 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set, $40.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      In case you missed it, I reviewed COOLA, and you can read that review by clicking
      here      .  I LOVE their suncare.  Of the plethora of suncare companies, they are in my top 3.  I had purchased this set in a suncare haul (I haven’t posted it yet, but I will), and think it’s a great buy.  As we all know, anything organic is going to cost more, but it’s not always worth it.  This suncare definitely is.  The spray is wonderful and absorbs faster than any spray I’ve used.  The lip conditioner comes with spf as well.  This is the perfect way to try out COOLA and protect all your recipient’s bits.  The products even come with their own travel bag.   This set contains the following (list by sephora.com):

      – 3.4 oz Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada
      – 2 oz ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
      – 0.85 oz Classic Face Moisturizer SPF 30 in Cucumber
      – 0.15 oz Liplux SPF 30 in Original Formula
      – Zippered travel pouch

      6.  boscia Black Charcoal Pore Perfection Set, $10.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Charcoal is a wonderful adsorbent, so one way to beautiful skin is through this set from boscia.  With a mini charcoal cleanser and charcoal blot paper, you recipient’s skin will be clean and detoxified.  The best part?  It won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet.

      Set contents (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 1 oz Detoxifying Black Cleanser
      – 100 x Black Charcoal Blotting Linens

      7.  First Aid Beauty FAB Cleanse & Exfoliate Kit, $10.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Perfect for the recipient on-the-go, this cleanser and facial pad combo fits perfectly in any gym bag, weekender, or carry-on.    

      Kit list (courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 2 oz Face Cleanser
      – 10 x Facial Radiance Pads

      8.  Murad Acne Mini Cleanser Set, $25.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      If you give this as a gift, hopefully the recipient isn’t offended.  Personally, I LOVE Murad.  Everything works well, and this travel set is perfect for anyone on-the-go, dorming, or needs their skin rejuvenated.  Each product works quickly to clear up problem skin.  The mini set is the perfect way for your recipient to try what Murad has to offer.  This set contains cleansers and an exfoliator for face and body. 
       
      Set contents (courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 1.5 oz Clarifying Cleanser
      – 1.5 oz Time Release Acne Cleanser
      – 0.043 oz Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator
      – 2 oz Acne Body Wash

      Countdown to Gift-Giving Day!

      / darphynia / Leave a comment

      It’s already December!!  Where has this year gone?!   There is so much to do, and not enough time (isn’t that always the case?).  I’m nearly done with the buying end of things.  Now I just have to complete the items I am making.  Holiday music is allowed in the car.  I never play it prior to December because I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time.  When you start seeing Christmas items in August/September, it’s just too soon.  Since you now have 24 days to get everything you need, I will be positing several pieces that will (hopefully) give you some ideas.  In case you missed it, here are the links to previous gift-giving posts:


      This is an 8-part series, covering:  kids, adults, pets, beauty, gadgets, and more.   
      What’s on your gift-giving list this year?
      Stay beautiful!